Show of Hands
A monthly informal online meet-up, open to everyone working in adult education and lifelong learning
The Show of Hands Network takes its name from a moment at the UALL 2025 conference at the University of Liverpool. At the close of the final plenary session, delegates were asked who would welcome more opportunities to stay connected with colleagues across adult education and lifelong learning. The hands that went up gave the network both its name and its purpose.
What is it?
A monthly informal online meet-up, open to everyone working in adult education and lifelong learning, wherever you are in the world. Sessions are relaxed and conversational — closer in spirit to the conference coffee break than to a formal seminar. We introduce a loose theme each month to give discussions a gentle focus, while keeping the format open and inclusive.
What to expect
A space to share ideas and good practice, learn about colleagues’ work across institutions and borders, and find the kind of solidarity and insight that sustains people working in this field.
There are no presentations, no registration barriers, and no formal agenda, just open, collegial conversation among people who share a commitment to adult education and lifelong learning.
When do sessions take place?
The day and time of the meet-ups is rotated quarterly to make participation as accessible as possible.
Upcoming sessions:
Friday 2nd October, 12.00 – 1.30 pm (UK time)
Friday 30th October, 10.00 – 11.30 am (UK time)
Friday 4th December, 10.00 – 11.30 am (UK time)
Join the conversation
For more information and to register, please contact Jenny Hoy, Head of the Centre for Open Learning at the University of Edinburgh and UALL Trustee.
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